Graduate Catalog 2010-12
Physics
Note: Additional work
will be required for graduate credit in 400-level courses.
PHYS 425 Modern Physics 3
Prereq.: PHYS 305. Special theory of
relativity; quantum aspects of matter and of electromagnetic radiation, Bohr
model, nuclear structure, radioactivity. Irregular.
PHYS 450 Advanced Laboratory 1
Prereq.: PHYS 331, 425. A study of the
400 kV Van de Graaf accelerator, particle detection electronics, and a study of
induced nuclear reactions. One three-hour laboratory per week. Irregular.
PHYS 452 Independent Study in Physics 1
TO 3
Prereq.: Approved plan of study by
arrangement with supervising instructor and approval of department chair.
Special work in laboratory or theory to meet individual requirements in areas
not covered by regular curriculum. May be taken more than one semester up to a
limit of 6 credits.
PHYS 460 Seminar in Physics 1
Prereq.: Senior standing. Through
individual readings, discussions, and presentations, students will study contemporary
topics in various fields of physics. Capstone requirement for all physics
majors in the B.A. and B.S. non-teaching programs. Hours by arrangement.
Spring.
PHYS 470 Quantum Mechanics 3
Prereq.: PHYS 425. Limits of classical
physics, wave packets and uncertainty, Schrodinger wave equation,
eigenfunctions and eigenvalues, one-dimensional potentials, wave mechanics,
operator methods. Irregular.
PHYS 471 Quantum Mechanics II 3
Prereq.: PHYS 470. Three-dimensional
Schrodinger equation, angular momentum, radial equation, hydrogen atom,
operator matrices and spin, addition of angular momentum, plus additional
topics to be chosen by instructor. Irregular.
PHYS 490 Topics in Physics 3
Selected studies in physics which are not offered presently in the curriculum
of the department. Course may be repeated for different topics. No topic may be
taken for credit more than once. Irregular.
PHYS 505 Mathematical Physics 3
Prereq.: Undergraduate physics minor;
MATH 222. Introduction to basic mathematical methods of theoretical physics,
such as linear algebra (matrices), vector analysis, partial differential
equations, orthogonal functions, and complex variables presented with physical
illustrations. Irregular.
PHYS 511 Classical Mechanics 3
Prereq.: PHYS 425 or permission of
chair. Mechanics of continuous media, wave motion, special relativity, and
introduction to Lagrange's and Hamilton's equations. Irregular.
PHYS 519 Advanced Topics in Physics 3
Prereq.: Permission of instructor and
student's advisor. Combination of lecture, discussion, and laboratory work. May
be repeated more than once for credit under different topics. Irregular.
PHYS 542 Advanced Electricity & Magnetism 3
Prereq.: PHYS 425 or permission of
chair. Field theory of electromagnetism. Magnetic fields of currents, magnetic
materials, electromagnetic induction of Maxwell's equations. Irregular.
PHYS 598 Research in Physics 3
Prereq.: Admission to the MS program in
natural sciences, and 15 credits in planned program of study, and permission of
instructor. Student will conduct original research in physics including a
literature review, project proposal, research presentation, and a report
suitable for journal publication. On demand.
PHYS 599 Thesis 3
Prereq.: PHYS 598,
permission of the advisor, and a 3.00 overall GPA. Preparation of the thesis
under the supervision of the thesis advisor. Plans A, C, D, and E require
completion of 18 credits for programs with 30-35 credits, or 24 credits for
programs with greater than 35 credits, and a 3.00 overall GPA. On demand.
